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Press Release

ADL Commends European Union’s Decision To Place Additional Restrictive Measures On Iran

New York, NY, October, 18, 2012 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the European Union’s decision to adopt additional restrictive measures on Iran, signaling that pressure will continue to increase on the regime as long as it refuses takes clear steps to end its nuclear weapons program.

Earlier this year, the European Union took measures to ban Iranian oil imports and financial transactions related to oil, concurrent with pressure from the United States on Asian importers to reduce Iran’s purchases. These efforts led to a sharp decline in Iran’s oil exports, which is the regime’s main source of revenue.

“While Iran subsequently agreed to a new round of negotiations, we were disappointed that they did not engage in good faith discussions, said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. “The recently adopted sanctions send a crucial signal of increasing pressure and Western solidarity in the dual-track approach to Iran’s intransigence. More is likely to be required. We respectfully urge the EU and its member states to exert all possible influence on countries which continue to buy Iranian oil to quickly and drastically reduce such purchases.”

In a letter to Baroness Catherine Ashton, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, ADL stressed the significance of targeting Iran’s oil revenue where European regulators have an opportunity to intervene.

“As we have seen, targeting Iran’s oil revenue has had the greatest impact on the regime and we hope such significant additional pressure not only from Europe, but from Asian nations as well, will lead to our common goal of a diplomatic and verifiable end to Iran’s nuclear weapons program.”

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.